Memorial Day Weekend in Patrick County will feature many exciting events for locals and visitors to participate in, including the launch of the new Patrick County Barn Quilt Trail.
Beginning at 10 a.m. on May 25 with a ribbon cutting, activities will be held throughout the day to highlight the trail and attarct visitors.
Conceived by a group of volunteers in the AIR:Shift workshop held at the Reynolds Homestead last April, the trail also has the financial support of Clark Gas & Oil, the Town of Stuart, Reynolds Homestead and Patrick County Tourism.
Like large roadside canvases, barn quilts artistically pay homage to the quilting traditions of Appalachia. The colorful patterns, mounted on barns, homes, and businesses throughout the county, create the backdrop for a series of driving and walking tours perfect for an afternoon escape.
The beginning of the modern barn quilt trend is generally credited to Donna Sue Groves, an Ohio Arts Council field representative, who in 2001 promised her mother she’d paint a quilt square on the family barn. She eventually envisioned a trail of barn quilts through southern Ohio that would draw visitors to Adams County, boosting the economy and preserving the rich American quilting tradition.
A barn quilt is a single quilt block painted onto wood or metal and mounted on a barn, garage, fence or other structure. Though sizes can vary, they are usually 3-4 feet square.
Though barn quilt trails are not new, the committee’s goal is to take the concept a step further with the addition of special events to promote local musicians, artists, farmers, crafters, dancers and other cultural activities. A schedule of the opening day’s events will be published prior to the weekend.
According to committee member Lisa Martin, the Patrick County Barn Quilt Trail already has 18 applicants, and interested community members and businesses are encouraged to apply to be on the trail. Anyone wanting to be part of the barn quilt trail will be listed in a county brochure, and on a public website and Facebook page.
To be considered for the trail, an applicant’s barn quilt must be visible from a state-maintained road with a minimum size of 12” x 12”. Barn quilts can be made by the property of the owner, an artist, or anyone else, but quality materials should be used. While traditional quilt block patterns are preferred, original artwork may be displayed; however, no inappropriate content will be considered for inclusion on the trail.
Applications for the Barn Quilt Trail are available at www.reynoldshomestead.vt.edu, and for pickup at the Patrick County Chamber of Commerce Office.
The Reynolds Homestead will host a Barn Quilt Class on Thursday, April 25 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Creative Arts Center, located at 334 Patrick Avenue in Stuart. Anyone wishing to find out more information about the barn quilt trail or class may call (276) 694-7181, or contact any of the committee members: Rebecca Adcock, Ursula Allen, Deana Clark, Laura Clark, Joni Hunt, Terri Leviner, Lisa Martin, Melissa Martin, Chelsea Raby, Becki Turner and Linda Wilson.
